Chez Angeloni was an unheralded un-drafted free agent who signed with the Red Sox immediately following the 2009 draft. Working as a starter for division III Johns Hopkins University, he compiled an 18-7 career record while winning the Most Outstanding Player award for the 2008 Division III College World Series. In the first game of the series, Angeloni threw a complete game eight strikeout performance to hand Trinity its lone loss of the season. Chez split his 2009 professional season between the GCL Red Sox and the Lowell Spinners, becoming a key member of the Lowell bullpen during their playoff run. Angeloni took some to answer some questions with the Spinners Blog.

You were signed as an un-drafted free agent, can you tell us what the process was like in signing with the Red Sox, and was there any interest in you by any teams during the draft?

Chez Angeloni continued his college success in a new role in Lowell this past season

It was pretty sweet, I got a phone call one day that they had a spot open in Fort Myers. I was like seriously, I’m going to play for the Red Sox? I just flew down there, got my stuff together and got started. In terms of interest before the draft, there wasn’t a whole lot, a few times took some looks, I didn’t know what to expect. In the end, this is a dream come true, it’s better than I could have imagined.

You were a starter at John’s Hopkins, but this season you have come out of the Spinners bullpen, which role do you prefer?

I prefer starting because I have done it my entire baseball career before getting here. However, I just want to do whatever it is that helps the team win and gets me innings. If that means that I am in the bullpen, then that’s where I will be and work my hardest at.

Can you tell us a bit about the pitches you feature?

I throw a sinker, a cut fastball, a slider, a changeup and a four-seam fastball.

Your team at John’s Hopkins had a lot of success, including making it to the college world series, what was your most memorable moment in college?

Two years ago in the CWS we faced Trinity, which is interesting because I am played with a few of those guys here in Lowell (DiBenedetto, Killeen, Bayer). Unfortunately, we ended up losing to Trinity but it was a great experience that I am sure will help me down the line in similar playoff type of situations.

Even though you spent a short time in Lowell this season, what stood out to you most about playing here?

This is a great place to play, everybody is happy to be here, the fans are just amazing. The personnel that works with us here on a day to day basis is just world class, they really put us in the best position to be better each and every day.

If you could attribute your success to one thing what would it be?

My success comes when I throw strike one. Getting ahead of the hitter is probably the most important way to be successful as a pitcher. Another thing that makes me successful is getting my sinker down in the zone and inducing ground balls. When I can do both things, I am going to have a good day.

You were named most outstanding player of the college world series in 2008, how did you feel about that honor?

At first I didn’t want to think about it since we had lost the World Series, winning as a team is much better than any award I could be given. I was disappointed, but after some time I realized what a great honor it was and I was very happy to have received it. I think it really served as a motivational tool for me to make it back to the CWS this year.

What is something about Chez Angeloni that most people don’t know?

I’ve got some serious hops, I can dunk a basketball no problem.

The Boston Red Sox released their end of season Minor League Awards and Derrik Gibson and a trio of former Spinners were honored for their great 2009 seasons.

Spinners shortstop Derrik Gibson picked up the first honor, earning the Baserunner of the Year title for his great season on the basepaths. Gibson, who made a cameo with the Spinners at the conclusion of the 2008 season, was phenomenal for the Spinners in 2009 stealing 28 bases in 33 attempts, ranking second on the Spinners behind Wilfred Pichardo’s organizational leading and franchise record 32 stolen bases. One of the fastest players in the organization, Gibson utilized his speed, often taking extra bases turning groundouts into close plays or infield hits, singles into doubles and what would be a double for most into one of his four triples.

Gibson's 28 stolen bases ranked second on the Spinners in 2009 as well as second in Spinners franchise history.

In addition to Gibson, three recent Spinners were also honored for their strong play in 2009, led by 2008 Lowell Spinners shortstop Casey Kelly, who was selected as the Red Sox Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Kelly, who did not pitch after being drafted in the first round of the 2008 Draft, playing solely at short, split the season pitching at Low-A Greenville and Hi-A Salem compiling a 7-5 record and 2.08 ERA in 95 innings pitched. His strong season on the mound concluded with a scoreless inning in the All-Star Futures Game, where he retired the side of Double-A hitters in order.

Defensively, a third member of the 2008 Lowell Spinners was honored, as Ryan Dent was selected as the Defender of the Year. In 112 games, split between Greenville and Salem, Dent made 15 errors, two more errors than he made in 58 games in Lowell in 2008. Dent earned a late season promotion to Salem after batting .252 with six home runs and 48 RBI in 99 games with the Drive.

A 2008 Lowell Spinner, Dent was the Red Sox Defender of the Year in 2009.

A special player with the Spinners in 2006 before suffering a broken hammate bone, Ryan Kalish was finally at full strength in 2009 and it showed as he was named the Red Sox Minor League Player of the Year after a strong showing that saw the 21-year-old advance to Double-A Portland after batting .304 with five home runs and 21 RBI to start the season in Salem. After a slow-start in Portland Kalish came on strong to finish the year with a .271 average with 13 home runs and 56 RBI, adding 14 steals in 17 attempts.

Kalish's smooth swing has the Red Sox 2009 Minor League Player of the Year on the path to Fenway!

Keury De La Cruz and Juan Rodriguez were selected as the Latin America Player and Pitcher of the Year respectively, two names to keep an eye on toward the 2010 as potential Spinners.

All of the above will be honored at Fenway Park in the coming weeks prior to a Red Sox home game. Congratulations to all!

Welcome to our latest installment of Road to the Show with Spinners outfielder Wilfred Pichardo. Pichardo has had a breakout season in 2009, hitting .302 and setting the Spinners single season record for stolen bases with 32. Pichardo was named the NY-Penn League Player of the Week for the week August 17-24, 2009. Wilfred has served primarily as the Spinners leadoff hitter this season, after playing briefly in Lowell last season before a hamstring injury ended his season.

Signed out of the Dominican Republic as a sixteen year old in 2006, Pichardo showed prowess in all parts of his game, including his defense, as he continues the transition from second base to centerfield. Wilfred took some time to answer a few questions for the Spinners blog with the assistance of Hitting Coach Luis Lopez to translate.

You originally played second base, now you have transitioned to center field, how has the transition gone for you and what position do you feel more natural at?

I feel more comfortable playing the outfield. It hasn’t been easy to transition from playing second base to playing centerfield there are a lot of differences between the two positions. I have really dedicated myself to working hard to learn the outfield the best I can.

You’ve had a lot of success here in Lowell in 2009, what if anything would you attribute this success to?

I have been very happy with my success this season; a big part of it is separating from a lot of things that had distracted me in the past. I feel I have matured and broken away from some things that were holding me back, it really gives me a new perspective. I always want to get better and even though this season has been successful for me, I feel like I have a long road ahead of me and I know that I have to work hard every day to become the player I know I can be.  The use of my speed has been something that has helped me not only in taking bases, but legging out base hits and being able to play quality defense.

Speaking of base stealing, you have had a lot of success stealing bases this season, what approach do you take when you are looking to steal a base?

The most important thing is to read the pitcher, I like to study the pitcher’s motion toward the plate and get a feel for when is the best time to take off.  I find the key to stealing bases is getting a good jump; this comes from reading the pitcher and figuring out the best moment to take off. When you are trying to steal bases you have to be confident, have no fear. If you believe in your speed and you put in the work reading pitchers, you can steal bases pretty naturally.

Wilfred Pichardo has been a big part of the Spinners success this season, setting the team record for steals in a season and hitting .343 since the All Star Break

You were named NY-Penn League player of the week for the week of August 17-24^th, how did you feel about this honor?

I was excited when I first heard about it, I’m not a guy who goes out seeking awards, I just like to go out and play hard. The award is really a testament to my teammates and my coaches helping me become a better player. I am surrounded by so many great guys here and this is their award just as much as it is mine. The award means a lot to me because it means that my hard work is paying off and that I am making a statement with my play on the field.

What was the signing process like with the Red Sox?

I spent a little over ten days back in 2006 working out for the Red Sox in their Dominican Academy. I played in front of a bunch of scouts and it was really just “lights-out”, they told me the loved what I could do and wanted to get me signed. It was a fairly smooth process after that and I have just moved through the system ever since, just working hard wherever I go.

How has the transition been from the D.R. to America?

I am still adjusting and it’s a constant work in progress. The biggest things are the language barrier and the difference in cultures. I haven’t been here in America that long and already I feel like I am doing well in acclimating myself as much as I can to the culture and also learning English the best that I can. Just like I work to improve my game, I have to work to learn English and the culture of America.

What moment during this season has been the most memorable and why?

There was a game this season where we played Oneonta on August 23^rd.  We scored a lot of runs and I feel like I really acted to set the pace for that game by getting on base and distracting the pitcher on the base paths (Pichardo went 2-3 with 2 BB’s and a stolen base). I did what I needed to do to help the team, I scored quite a few runs that day and that’s a big part of my game, getting on base, scoring runs, that’s what helps the team win.

What are your goals for the rest of this season and the future?

Just keep working hard, finish this season strong and work hard every day. I really don’t want to look to far ahead because I know there’s a lot of work that has to be done to bring my game to the next level. Anything I can do to help the team I find myself on win and anything I can do to improve myself are goals that I constantly have.

Stay tuned for further Road to the Show interviews coming soon!

Today is the day! Playoff baseball returns to LeLacheur Park and it’s Red Sox vs. Yankees as the Spinners (45-30) take on Staten Island (47-29). This season the teams split six games against each other with each team sweeping the other in it’s respective home stadium.

This season has been an exciting one for the Spinners, as they have really come together lately, having a torrid month of August to charge into the playoffs and win their second straight Stedler Division title.

The buntings are out, the weather is perfect and it’s playoff time here in New England, come out and support the Spinners as we look to beat down the Yankees and prove that Boston always beats New York.

Game one of the series will be here in Lowell tonight as Jose Alvarez (8-3, 1.52), the Spinners franchise leader for wins in a season (8) and the winner of the NY-Penn League ERA title (1.52) will face Adam Warren (4-2, 1.42). Games two and three will be in Staten Island in the best of three series.

Your 2009 Stedler Division Champion Lowell Spinners

Congratulations to catcher Dan Butler, who has made quite the jump, moving from Lowell to Salem. Butler was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Arizona, playing in 22 games with the Spinners posting a .179 average. Butler is known for his strong defense and throwing arm, and become a vital part of the Spinners playoff run behind the plate. Congratulations Dan!

Dan Butler has earned a promotion to Salem after helping the Spinners behind the plate this season

Congratulations to Wilfred Pichardo and Jose Alvarez, both of whom have had record breaking seasons for the Lowell Spinners. For Pichardo, he has set the Spinners all time stolen base mark, he currently sits at 31 steals, breaking the previous record of 28 set by Matt Van Der Bosch in 2004. Pichardo has also been a big part of the reason the Spinners have broken the team stolen base record for a season, they stand currently at an even 100. The previous team record was 96, set back in 2003.

Alvarez, with his win last night, set the Spinner’s record for win’s in a season with 8 and also the Spinners record for shutouts with two. Alvarez is currently leading the NY-Penn League in ERA at 1.52. Congratulations Wilfred and Jose!

Jose Alvarez has been nothing short of outstanding this season, breaking the Spinners franchise record for wins in a season with 8 and holding the league lead in ER

Wilfred Pichardo has been a menace on the basepaths for opposing teams this season, setting a Spinners single season record for stolen bases, he now stands at 31 for the season, eclipsing the previous record of 28

The Spinners clinched their second consecutive Stedler division title last night with a 13-0 thrashing of second place Oneonta. The Spinners have won 11 of their last 14 games and have opened up a 7.5 game lead on Oneonta since entering play on August 22nd tied with the Tigers for first place.

Starter Jose Alvarez (8-3, 1.52) threw a complete game shutout, only allowing five hits and striking out six over his seven innings of work. With the win, Alvarez broke the Spinners record for victories in a season with 8. He also remains atop of the NY-Penn League in ERA (1.52).

Your 2009 Lowell Spinners, Stedler Division Champions

The Spinners wasted no time opening up an early lead by scoring six times in the first and five times in the second on their way to an 18 hit output on the night. Every starter had at least one hit, led by Derrik Gibson’s perfect night at the plate. He was 3 for 3 with two walks, reaching base five times. Gibson, in his last four games, is hitting a blistering .667. Chris McGuiness and Ken Roque each had three hits and Michael Almanzar added a double, triple and three RBI’s.

The Spinners also won game two of the twinbill 6-2 as Willie Holmes was 3-3 with a HR and Wilfred Pichardo stole three bases in breaking the Spinners single season record for stolen bases. Pichardo now stands at 31, the record was previously 28, set by Matt Van Der Bosch in 2004. Carson Blair and Doug Wogee made thier Spinner debuts, with Blair going 1 for 2 with a double and Wogee pitching a scoreless inning in relief.  Spinners starter Alex Wilson was again dominant in his three inning stint, striking out three and only allowing one hit. The Spinners look to continue their hot streak with the final game of the series tonight in Oneonta. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05.

Welcome to our most recent Road to the Show interview with Spinners 1B/OF Drew Hedman. Hedman was drafted in the 50th and final round of the 2009 MLB Draft out of Division III Pomona College. He dominated competition this year, hitting 24 home runs, batting .489 and posting a .569 OBP. Hedman has had a successful first professional season thus far in Lowell and hit .320 in August. Drew sat down with the Spinners blog to answer a few questions.

You were picked in the 50th and final round of the 2009 MLB Draft, what was draft day like for you and what was the level of interest in you before the draft by the Red Sox and other teams?

There was definitely some interest both from the Red Sox and other teams; I probably talked to 15 different teams in all so I figured I’d be picked up by someone. Draft day was pretty stressful really, I obviously had to wait until the 50^th round, everything I heard was for sure I would be taken on the second day, but that didn’t happen. I had to wait until the third day it was a stressful process but I was happy to hear my name called and especially by a franchise like the Red Sox.

You dominated at Pomona this season, hitting 24 home runs; can you describe your time at Pomona and talk about your favorite college moment?

My time at Pomona was great; it’s a division three small school, a different baseball experience than most big time programs. This year we were ranked the number one team in D3 for quite awhile. We had a great team; I have a lot of great memories. My favorite moment was either my sophomore year when we won our league for the first time in a while or this year when we flew up to Oregon for regionals; really seeing the team come together was something I will never forget.

Would you say Power is a big part of your game?

Drew Hedman is hitting .343 since the All Star break, helping the Spinners charge toward their second Stedler Division title

Not necessarily, I feel like its something that just happens. A lot of the home runs I hit I think were line drives that I hit well that just cleared the fence. As you can tell by my numbers here it’s been a lot of doubles, no home runs as of yet. It’s nice to get extra base hits; I’m not focused on hitting home runs. I feel like if I hit the ball well then the home runs will come, I consider myself more of a gap to gap line drive hitter.

You have played the outfield as well as first base this season, which position do you feel suits you better and why?

Right now I still feel more comfortable at first, that’s where I played most of my college career. I’m starting to feel more comfortable in the outfield; my first game out there was a bit different. You have different angles; it’s a long way away from home plate. I’m a good first baseman and a good outfielder, whatever helps the team and gets me in the lineup is where I’ll play.

Describe how it was to play in your first professional game here in Lowell compared to what you were accustomed to in college and high school.

It was great, opening night there was 5,000 people here. My first at bat I got hit in the ribs, I was jogging down to first thinking wow welcome to professional baseball Drew. I’ve had a great time here, at Pomona I was playing in front of like 50 people, half of which being students the other half being family. I just make sure to have fun every step of the way.

You have had a hot month of August, is there any reason for your recent success?

I think it’s just the process of getting acclimated to professional ball, getting used to playing every day, finding what works well for you. Recently I have started getting into a groove, getting consistent at bats and playing time. You get into a rhythm and I think this month I’ve started to find that groove.

What are your goals for the future?

Just to get better every day as a player. I want people to say “hey this guy was picked in the 50^th round and he made it to the show”. Obviously making it to Fenway would be my long term goal, for now just making strides in my game and just moving along the ladder.

What is something about Drew Hedman that most people don’t know?

I studied in Spain for four months during college so I lived there for awhile; another thing is I like to play the piano, that’s something I’m sure people would never guess.

What teammate has impressed you most this season and why?

There are a lot of good players here, obviously Ryan Westmoreland stands out. He is really impressive, I feel bad for him just getting hurt like he did the other day, but he has had a great first season. Everyday he’s very consistent in his approach, he gets the job done day in and day out and that’s what it’s all about.

What is your most memorable moment from the season?

I would say opening night, realizing that it’s not college ball anymore and this is what I’m being paid to do. I remember coming into the clubhouse seeing all the guys who played here who are in the majors, and realizing that you are now on the same path that they once were, just truly amazing to realize that.

Just because the Spinners season is coming to a close, doesn’t mean you’ve seen the last of the Road to the Show series, stay tuned for interviews with Wilfed Pichardo, Drew Dominguez, Chez Angeloni, Alex Wilson and Jordan Flasher.

The Lowell Spinners inched closer to their second consecutive Stedler Division title with their 8-5 win over the Brooklyn Cyclones Monday night. Yeiper Castillo (6-1, 2.76), pitched a gem going six innings, allowing three hits and striking out five. The Spinners offense exploded in the fourth inning, taking advantage of Brooklyn miscues. Derrik Gibson was hit by a pitch to force in the first run and Chris McGuiness walked with the bases loaded to score the second run of the inning. Two wild pitches by Cyclone relievers scored two more Spinners and finally, an error on a routine groundball by Jordany Valdespin scored McGuiness with the inning’s final run.

Derrik Gibson and Chris McGuiness led the offensive charge in the fourth inning for Lowell. For Gibson, he is one stolen base away from tying the Spinners single season record (28)

The Cyclones did not go away easily, chasing Lowell reliever Jeremiah Bayer from the game with a two-run single, and then going right after Michael Bugary, scoring three more times in the inning on a two-run double and a single up the middle. However, Dennis Neuman came on to strike out the final batter of the inning and tossed a scoreless ninth inning for his team-leading seventh save.

Monday night also saw the retirement of Jim Rice’s number 14 here at LeLacheur Park, and tonight will feature the retirement of Johnny Pesky’s number six. A Spinners win, coupled with an Oneonta loss will clinch the Stedler Division for the second straight year for Lowell. Drake Britton takes the mound tonight to be followed by Ryan Pressly. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05.

The Lowell Spinners continued their charge toward the playoffs as they beat a rattled Brooklyn Cyclones team 3-1. The Spinners are now 8-2 in their last 10 games and hold a 5.5 game lead on second place Oneonta in the Stedler Division.

Brooklyn started off strong, scoring one run quickly off of Spinners starter Pedro Perez in the first inning. The Spinners tied the game in the fifth on Derek Gibson’s RBI double, which plated Wilfred Pichardo.

Drew Hedman laced a key one out double to help the Spinners top the Cyclones 3-1 Sunday Night

The game remained tight until the eighth when Ronald Bermudez hit a single up the middle to plate Drew Hedman who had hit a one out double.  The Cyclones then became rattled as SS Robbie Shields was ejected by 1B umpire Tim Rosso for arguing about a previous close play at first and just pitches later an easy out was allowed to fall between catcher catcher Dock Doyle and first baseman Alex Gregory. The Spinners extended the lead to 3-1 when Dan Butler’s groundball was thrown away by Cyclones reliever Brandon Sage.

Jordan Flasher picked up the save after getting out of trouble in the ninth, striking out Dock Doyle looking to end the game.

The Spinners are closing in on their second straight playoff berth and tomorrow night, the team will retire the #14 of longtime Red Sox left fielder and 2009 Hall of Fame Inductee Jim Rice during the game, and hand out bobble heads of manager Gary DiSarcina as the gates open at 5:30 p.m. to the first 1,500 fans. Yeiper Castillo (5-1, 3.02) gets the start with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.